safety & health aspects of nanotechnology

ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene Presentation

Safety & Health Aspects of Nanotechnology


Where are we?


This material– Known for 2000 years– Used for napkins by the Romans– Health aspects identified– Deaths and lung problems in 1917– Regulation: 1980

• What is it?



Nanotechnology

• Presentation Outline– Definitions of Nanotechnology– Unknowns factors– Known hazards – standard – Industry Experience – who’s done what?– What do we do?– Protective Equipment


• Definitions• Nanoparticles (1 to 100 nm)• Ultrafine Particles (< 100 nm) incidental to process.• Engineered nanoparticles (1-100 nm)• Nano aerosols (>100 nm)

• Perspective of size: 10 um (length of 10 hydrogen atoms.)

Nanotechnology

ASSE Conference: April 2006 Industrial Hygiene PresentationFrom EPA White Paper on Nanotechnology



• Route of Entry:– Most common is inhalation– Deposited in the lungs– May enter the brain in nasal region– Ingestion– Intact Skin (movement along nerves)*

*(Based on research, Southern Methodist University, Dr. Eva Oberdörster, 2004)



Animal & Epidemiological study Hypotheses

• Physical/chemical effects– Greater respiratory hazard– Oxidative stress, inflammation, production of cytokines– Chemokines, and cell growth factors.– (auto-immune disease production)




Surface Area and Activity – Predicting Hazard

• Greater potential with greater surface area

>Pulmonary Effects

>Cytotoxicity of water-soluble fullerenes

(used as anti-microbial agent)



Nanotechnology 2nd Generation

ESH Coverage

2001 2003 2006

3rd Gen 4th Gen

2015

Where are We?


Nanotechnology

• Carcinogenic Effects• Long Term effects – Unknown• Quantum Dots• Single-wall Nanotubes • MSDSs

– Focus on materials not product


Nanotechnology


Nanotechnology

• Unknowns– Environmental Impact– Delay in exposure data.– MSDS gaps– SIC/NAICs codes not addressed


Nanotechnology

Risk• Industry Experience• Care in setting up the operations• Standard Industry Risks• MSDS doesn’t address product


Nanotechnology

• The Other side:

• Same arguments as previously• No data, no risk• Pressure to go on.


Nanotechnology• System Arrangements – General.

Plasma Torch Reaction tube Product Collection

Feed air

CoolingWater

Monitor & interlock

UPS

Feedstock

Relief Valve

Quench Tube

Vacuum

Cooling Jacket

WaterRecycling line

Air, He

Containment Containment

Sid

e P

rodu

cts

Temp Control


Nanotechnology .. Failure Points

Plasma Torch Reaction tube Product Collection

Feed air

CoolingWater

Monitor & interlock

UPS

Feedstock

Relief Valve

Quench Tube

Vacuum

Cooling Jacket

WaterRecycling line

Air, He

Temp Control

X

X

XX

Leaksspills

Leak

Clean air

Exhaust Vent Intake

X


Hazard Analysis…

• Protect workers at release points

• Failure Analysis

• Interlocks are critical

• Backup system

• Configuration Control

• Reverse Flow conditions


Nanotechnology

• Checklists:– Industrial Hygiene– High Temperature– UV/IR hazards– Heavy Metals– Particulates– Fire Risk– Catalytic Reaction


Concerns…

• Emergency Response

• Access Control

• Maintenance


Nanotechnology

Protective Equipment

•Respirators•(When no controls Work•No limits, TLVs, OSHA PELs


• Conclusions– Raise Awareness– Information sharing is important!– Stay connected– Identify Information Gaps– Use what you know.– Limit Access– Configuration Management

Nanotechnology


Where we Don’t want to be…

safety & health aspects of nanotechnology

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